In 2023, I believe the best approach is to prioritize the voice and preferences of our community. The decisions about Sakai Park's development should stem from what our community wants today.

The history of this issue is complex, spanning several years and complicated by the interruption caused by Covid-19. When Parks acquired the Sakai property, it committed to involving the community in decisions regarding its development. Many community meetings and surveys were conducted, resulting in a range of ideas. These ideas included a community center, picnic pavilion, pool, field house, and some residents advocating for preserving it as green space, given its significance as one of the last large green areas near town. Most recently, there has been discussions about building tennis courts at Sakai.

An architect's plan estimated a community center's cost to be in the range of $35-50 million. However, Covid-19 posed significant challenges in terms of funding. Parks typically has an annual budget of only $1.2 million for capital improvements, so building such a center would require a bond issuance. Given the impact of Covid-19, the cost of the community center is likely to be at the higher end of the original estimate, potentially exceeding $50 million.

It's worth noting that Parks has since acquired BIRC, which addresses several of the needs originally associated with a community center.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on this matter and what you envision for Sakai Park's future. Community input remains essential in shaping the path forward. 

I would prioritize open communication between both communities. I am dedicated to listening to concerns, ideas and feedback. There should be meetings and forums that allow both sides to express their thoughts.  I think a further needs assessment is in order - I don't know if you were at the parks meeting this summer that was heavily attended by both communities, but the data that was presented by the parks employee at the beginning of the meeting was several years old - 2020-2022 if I recall correctly.  Data on demand for courts/usage patterns and the number of participants in each sport will provide a solid foundation for decision making. I think we need to consider and explore all available options for increasing the number of courts for both pickleball and tennis. This may include repurposing facilities or finding suitable locations for additional courts.  In the short term, as things are being worked out, it seems the best option is collaborative facility sharing based on popular use times of both sports. This helps mitigate conflicts and ensures access for both groups.  I promote awareness and education about the benefits of both pickleball and tennis amongst the broader community and I encourage participation and respect for both sports.  There is so much crossover between the two sports that I believe these two communities can exist in harmony and further we can help each other towards mutually beneficial solutions! One thing I would like to see established at parks is a mechanism for conflict resolution, when conflicts do arise there should be a fair and transparent process for addressing concerns and finding resolutions that satisfy both parties. I'd like to see the development of long term planning for sports facilities on the island that should take into account the expected growth of each sport and allocate resources accordingly. I think community feedback (from both the athletes and the broader community) is important and I would seek it regularly, to make sure that decisions align with the island's overall vision and values.

I intend to take a balanced, collaborative and data driven approach so that we can work towards solutions that satisfy both the pickleball and tennis communities, ultimately fostering a sense of unity and ensuring that each sport has adequate courts on Bainbridge Islands.

Whoo. That was a lot.  I hope that that answers your questions clearly (though might have been a little wordy).  This particular issue is very close to my heart as I am very much of a peacekeeper and like to ensure that the joy we find in athletics is not sullied by ill feelings between two communities who are very alike in their needs and wants.

It's an important topic to consider. Currently, Bainbridge Island has lighting at various locations, including the High School, Strawberry Hill (primarily for football), and upcoming plans for lights at Woodward with a new turf field. The situation at Battlepoint merits careful consideration due to concerns from neighboring residents and the potential impact on the observatory.

I acknowledge the need for well-lit facilities, especially during the short winter days when children are in school until nearly dark. Modern lighting technology offers better control to minimize light spill and skyglow. An upgrade may be due at Strawberry Hill, and any new lighting installation would require permits from the city.

In the end, the decision should involve community input and a thorough analysis of data. The existing agreement between the Parks and the city regarding lights at Battlepoint presents an opportunity, but I believe a balanced approach, guided by comprehensive information, is essential before taking a definitive stance on the matter.

Thank you for reaching out and for considering me as a candidate for the Parks Board. I truly appreciate your interest in the future of our community's parks and recreation programs. Firstly, I want to acknowledge and commend the dedication and hard work of the current board members. They have played a crucial role in shaping our parks system over the years and have undoubtedly contributed to the community's well-being. I believe I can bring a fresh perspective and energy to the board. As a young mom representing the younger generation on Bainbridge Island, I understand the needs and priorities of families like mine. I recognize the importance of maintaining the fantastic programs and facilities provided by our Parks and Recs department, which have greatly benefited our community. Here's why I think you should consider voting for me: I can offer a different viewpoint and unique experiences that may not be present in the current board. This diversity in age and life stage is vital to ensure that our parks serve a wide range of residents, from young families to seniors. I am committed to planning for the future, ensuring that our parks remain vibrant, accessible, and inclusive. This means staying in tune with the evolving needs and interests of our community, including the next generation of park users. I believe in the power of community input and collaboration. I will work to involve residents of all ages and backgrounds in decision-making processes to ensure our parks are reflective of the entire community's wishes. As a young mom, I understand the challenges and joys of raising a family on Bainbridge Island. I will advocate for programs and facilities that support families, making sure that our parks remain a place where children and parents can create lasting memories. I am committed to exploring sustainable and eco-friendly practices in maintaining and expanding our parks. Our generation understands the importance of preserving our natural spaces for future generations. I want to emphasize that my goal is not to be critical of the current board but to contribute a fresh perspective that complements their invaluable experience. Together, we can ensure the continuity of excellent park services while making room for innovation and progress. I appreciate your time and consideration, and I am eager to work alongside the current board members to make our parks even better for everyone on Bainbridge Island.